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KWANZAA CELEBRATION Presented by the Rahway Social Justice Commission and the NAACP Rahway Branch
December 21, 2024 @ 12:00 pm4:00 pm
KWANZAA CELEBRATION
Saturday, December 21st, 2024 12pm – 4pm
Presented by the Rahway Social Justice Commission and the NAACP Rahway Branch
Admission is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome!
Pre-Registration for this event is closed. Any remaining tickets will be available at noon the day of the event at the registration table.
Limited seating is available for the stage presentations. First come, first served for general admission seating in the auditorium.
Kwanzaa Celebration at Hamilton Stage Embraces Community, Culture, and Heritage
This free community event honors African-American heritage through cultural performances, interactive activities, and educational programming that highlight the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Attendees can look forward to traditional African dance and drumming from the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble, dynamic performances by the Rahway Dance Theater and the Agape Family Worship Center Dance Ministry, and a captivating story session led by Antonio Bowser, Master Storyteller.
The celebration will also feature a poem by Sania Johnson, a 7th Grade Student and 1st Place Winner of the Union County Arbor Day Poetry Contest. Bill Davis, a Diasporic Educator, Author, and Professor of Africana Studies at Rutgers University, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies and lead the Kwanzaa Rites Ceremony with Candle Lighting, guiding participants through the symbolic traditions of the holiday.
In addition, guests can participate in arts and craft activities, browse offerings from local vendors, and enjoy refreshments. A screening of “The African-American Elite” documentary further enriches the day’s cultural experience.
Event Highlights:
Cultural Performances: African dance and drumming, dance ministries, storytelling, music, mime, and spoken word.
Interactive Programming: Story time, ceremonial libation, and the Kwanzaa Rites Ceremony with candle lighting led by Bill Davis.
Arts & Crafts, Vendors, & Refreshments: Opportunities to create, connect, and savor local treats.
Documentary Screening (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM): “The African-American Elite”—a film exploring affluent African-Americans and their careers.
Admission: Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome.
This free community event honors African-American heritage through cultural performances, interactive activities, and educational programming that highlight the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Attendees can look forward to traditional African dance and drumming from the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble, dynamic performances by the Rahway Dance Theater and the Agape Family Worship Center Dance Ministry, and a captivating story session led by Antonio Bowser, Master Storyteller.
The celebration will also feature a poem by Sania Johnson, a 7th Grade Student and 1st Place Winner of the Union County Arbor Day Poetry Contest. Bill Davis, a Diasporic Educator, Author, and Professor of Africana Studies at Rutgers University, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies and lead the Kwanzaa Rites Ceremony with Candle Lighting, guiding participants through the symbolic traditions of the holiday.
In addition, guests can participate in arts and craft activities, browse offerings from local vendors, and enjoy refreshments. A screening of “The African-American Elite” documentary further enriches the day’s cultural experience.
Event Highlights:
Cultural Performances: African dance and drumming, dance ministries, storytelling, music, mime, and spoken word.
Interactive Programming: Story time, ceremonial libation, and the Kwanzaa Rites Ceremony with candle lighting led by Bill Davis.
Arts & Crafts, Vendors, & Refreshments: Opportunities to create, connect, and savor local treats.
Documentary Screening (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM): “The African-American Elite”—a film exploring affluent African-Americans and their careers.
Admission: Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome.
Event Schedule
12:00 PM – Arts & Crafts Activities, Vendors, & Refreshments
1:00 PM – Kwanzaa Stage Presentation
Bill Davis, Diasporic Educator, Author, and Professor of Africana Studies at Rutgers University, serving as Master of Ceremonies
African Dance with Audience Participation (Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble)
Welcome & Remarks
“Lift Every Voice & Sing”
Libation Ceremony
Story Time by Antonio Bowser, Master Storyteller
Mime Performance
Musical Performances & Poetry (including a poem by Sania Johnson, 7th Grade Student and 1st Place Winner of the Union County Arbor Day Poetry Contest)
Dance Performances by Rahway Dance Theater & Agape Family Worship Center Dance Ministry
Kwanzaa Rites Ceremony with Candle Lighting led by Bill Davis
Closing Remarks & Final Performance
3:00 PM : Documentary Screening – “The African-American Elite” and continued Arts & Crafts Activities, Vendors, & Refreshments
12:00 PM – Arts & Crafts Activities, Vendors, & Refreshments
1:00 PM – Kwanzaa Stage Presentation
Bill Davis, Diasporic Educator, Author, and Professor of Africana Studies at Rutgers University, serving as Master of Ceremonies
African Dance with Audience Participation (Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble)
Welcome & Remarks
“Lift Every Voice & Sing”
Libation Ceremony
Story Time by Antonio Bowser, Master Storyteller
Mime Performance
Musical Performances & Poetry (including a poem by Sania Johnson, 7th Grade Student and 1st Place Winner of the Union County Arbor Day Poetry Contest)
Dance Performances by Rahway Dance Theater & Agape Family Worship Center Dance Ministry
Kwanzaa Rites Ceremony with Candle Lighting led by Bill Davis
Closing Remarks & Final Performance
3:00 PM : Documentary Screening – “The African-American Elite” and continued Arts & Crafts Activities, Vendors, & Refreshments
Kwanzaa, founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, is a seven-day cultural holiday (December 26 – January 1) celebrating African-American heritage, unity, and community values. Each day focuses on one of the seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba, designed to strengthen cultural identity, community empowerment, and collective well-being.